The Kali Mandir is one of the most visited and popular monuments of Eastern Nepal that is located at Rangeli Municipality, which is about 22 km east from the Hatkhola bus stand in Biratnagar. Rangeli municipality has a very ancient history and its origin dates back to even more than the city of Biratnagar. This temple is dedicated to a Hindu Goddess, Goddess Kali or Kalika, who is believed to be the incarnation of Goddess Parvati and leader of 10 different Hindu Goddess. Kali mandir has a special significance among the native people because it is said to be the protector of the region against the evil. It is a relatively old temple but the recent renovation and reconstruction has given it a captivating architectural appearance. This recent modification & renovation in the architecture of this temple has added to the number of visitors visiting this pilgrimage.
The history of this temple is expected to be in parallel with the town of Rangeli, one of the oldest cities of Morang and is thus assumed to be decades older. Its architecture is a typical Pagoda style temple built with the showcase of Nepali architectural design. The lights and flowers that are used to decorate the temple really gives a blissful feeling during the evening. Pilgrims from all over the nation as well as from India visit this temple as it is highly believed that all those devotees who pray to Goddess kali will be able to overcome death itself. The visitors also offer various animals such as male goats (Boka), rooster, duck and others in a ritual ceremonial sacrifice along with a strong belief that Goddess Kali accepts the offering with love and blessings. Due to the large number of pilgrims that visit and offer bali, this temple is on the cusp of becoming one of the largest sacrificial temples.
Kali Mandir in Rangeli is one of the major sites for carrying out traditional sacrifice (bali) during the Hindu festival of Dashain. During the nine days of this festival, a small fair type of activity is organized and this site is flocked by devotees from India and Nepal. Even the people from neighboring districts and zones come by to visit this temple and offer sacrifices specially during Ashtami and Navami (8th& 9th day of the festival). In addition to this, other types of traditional Hindu occasion like Ekadashi, Bratabandha, etc. can also be rejoiced here. Similarly, a long rally of women known as kalas (pot) yatra which is a important religious procession for women also starts from the temple premises. During this yatra women dances on various devotional songs of Lord shiva and dwell in religious euphoria.
Due to its immense historical and religious significance, the number of pilgrims visiting this temple is rising and the renovated architectural design has also provided a great assistance in attracting a huge number of local as well as international visitors.
-Article written by: Ujjwal Bhetwal for Land Nepal
